Top Free Dispersed Camping near Hillside, CO

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Hillside? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hillside, CO (63)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    2. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    392 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Electric Hookups
    • Cabins
    • Tent Cabin
    • Yurts
    • Market
    • Firewood Available
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

    3. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

    2 Reviews
    21 Photos
    46 Saves

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead

    5. Cotton Creek Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    78 Saves

    The Cotton Creek Trail is 13.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 962 and ends at Forest Trail #745. Trail is well marked and maintained. It follow the creek through a rugged, steep canyon and diverse scenery, with views of high peaks and many beautiful wildflowers in season. Some stream crossings can be tricky if water level is high. Attractions are fishing in creeks and lakes, and many good campsites. Teacup Lake presents an opportunity for primitive route finding.

    The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Dispersed Camping, and Wildflower Viewing

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

    7. Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    10 Saves

    The Wild Cherry Creek Trail is 5.7 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 961 and ends at Wild Cherry Lake. This trail offers the opportunity for a long day trip or a pleasant overnight. It is easy to follow and easy access to fishing in the lake and big game. Several good campsites exist along the route.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield

    8. The Dunefield

    7 Reviews
    46 Photos
    337 Saves

    Explore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.

    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    9. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    13 Reviews
    46 Photos
    556 Saves

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site

    10. Penrose Common Rec Site

    9 Reviews
    29 Photos
    83 Saves

    Penrose Commons Recreation Area offers a warm, arid climate among pinon and juniper woodlands. The best time to visit is September through May when temperatures are comfortable and the snowy peaks of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range are visible in the distance. With 30 miles of motorized trail, the area is popular for ATVs, motorcycles and four wheeling. Independence Trail system is known for its extreme 4x4 rock crawling opportunities with easy access for spectators to enjoy the trail activity. Penrose Commons is also popular for horseback riding, hunting and dispersed camping. The area has a restroom, trail map information and ample parking space for trailers. A wet weather gate closes the area to motorized use during wet conditions. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 63 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Hillside

158 Reviews of 63 Hillside Campgrounds


  • Jordana P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views and great privacy

    I stayed here for 1 night of car camping and will definitely go back. I only went about 4 miles in on the rocky/rutted road (vs the 5 miles that the directions say) and thought the sites were great. I stayed at a big site on the right with beautiful views and a fire ring. Aside from hearing some (maybe - not sure) coyotes at night, I wasn't aware of any other wildlife. I was in a 4Runner and my friend that I was with was driving a Highlander. As another poster commented, I saw a small sedan in one of the sites but wouldn't drive way out in anything but an SUV or truck. I have AT&T and had 2 bars of service.

  • Wendy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    Great views

    Lots of open spots in mid October. Slow going on rocky and bumpy dirt road but Chevy express 2wd did fine. Low clearance vehicles take extreme caution. Stayed in loop A, also a B&C.

  • Angela E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Cotton Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful and peaceful 💚

    The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Cripple Creek BLM Area

    Great secluded spot!

    We went on a Saturday and it wasn’t crowded at all. The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way. Definitely check it out if you don’t mind a colder night in a valley. Not much room to explore outside your vehicle unless you’re okay walking down the dirt road to see other sites and views.

  • Lily R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    Secluded sites along creek

    Drove ~3 miles along the service road to find our spot, it was the second pull off “open-area” with several fire pits to choose from. Road was a little bumpy but would be fine with a 2WD. Gorgeous, secluded spot next to the creek. No Verizon service.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    Lots of Options

    A lot of stuff if the road. I was pulling a popup trailer so we didn’t go too far up the road just in case it got choppy. Seemed like there is quite a few spaces. Talked to a few people who had been staying there for around a week.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Hendricks Flat
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Hendricks Flat

    Beautiful little spot

    My friend and I are roadtripping around a couple states and found this cute little camp site!! There is no running water or toilets but we didn’t mind :)) absolutely gorgeous place!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    great spot by creek

    loved this spot even stayed a couple extra days right by nice size creek the cooler weather was nice and meant not alot of bugs. more traffic on road than expected but not bothersome. people close by but not close enough to hear or bother you in anyway. site was clean. there were more shaded ones but we chose next to water. were a couple empty close by on a holiday weekend.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shavano Mountain
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Shavano Mountain

    Amazing vistas

    Amazing vistas! Big private sites. Tough road that gets progressively technical as you go farther up towards trail head.

  • Emma H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 240 - Dispersed
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Road 240 - Dispersed

    mount shavano camping

    believe the reviews when they say the road to get to these campsites are ROCKY. i was able to get there in my hyundai santa fe but got nervous a couple of times. despite this, we found a campsite that had a little waterfall and fast flowing creek next to it. it was the perfect little spot. got cold at night but it was to be expected. access to a lot of hiking and if you continue driving up the rocky road, you’ll get to billings lake which was gorgeous.

  • W D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

    Quiet camping and stars

    Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

    great spot!

    This is a terrific find! level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we were the only ones there . several a long road though nicely spaced out. small gas station close for gas and ice if needed otherwise about 45 min for supplies. ark river couple miles great spot to enjoy also rafting close etc.stayed couple extra days we just enjoyed the quiet. was also very clean and maintained. will definitely be back!

  • Amy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    Fine for a night

    The directions from this app didn’t exactly take me to the campsites. The campsites are along Lake Deweese Rd at the NE end of the reservoir. There are several sites all in very close proximity. There is virtually no privacy from neighbors but it worked from me for a night. It looked like some campers may be permanently occupying the sites.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    Cows?

    Great site, plenty of room, but there were so many open-range cows wandering around. Really didn’t mind during the day, until they started loudly mooing and screaming during the night. All the reviews here say it was quiet at night, so this must be a new development or we just got unlucky with timing. Never experienced anything like it. Put a damper on what was otherwise a great area for camping

  • Erika L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Dispersed Sand Area 1

    Door and peaceful

    Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?

  • Brian C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Overlook
    Aug. 13, 2024

    Buena Vista Overlook

    1st timer

    This was my first go at dispersed camping in my new travel trailer.  Google Maps took me to the right location off of 285 and the dirt roads were manageable. I would recommend 4x4 or AWD vehicles but they're nothing too crazy.  Lots of good and large camping spots and I'd recommend a location on the left side of the road.  

    Sites didn't seem to be makred, and I stopped a bit short of what the coordinates that are listed.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crestone Needle Trail
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Crestone Needle Trail

    I stayed for days. Really liked the location.

    There are more than one listing for places to camp along FS 949. I stayed on a pad that was build along with the road. Loved the views, The area is very interesting. Crestone is a tiny town with just about anything you might want within a walk from where I parked. Plenty of camping spots all the way up to the end of the road where there is a fairly busy trailhead.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Phantom Canyon

    Beautiful, but Far from Pristine.

    Absolutely beautiful area! We pulled in on a Friday evening with thunderstorms all around. There were plenty of sites available when we showed up, but they were all full by Saturday morning. We weren’t able to get one of the spots near the creek, but had our own hidden ravine tucked away on the left side of the road. I believe it was the 3rd to last pull out and the last one on the left side of the road. Stunning… but the smell from previous campers unsuccessfully trying to burn their trash in the fire rings (thankfully we brought our solo stove to cook on) and all the litter was a bit overwhelming. Broken glass, toilet paper/feces not buried, cigarette butts, and just trash everywhere. Unfortunate for the area, our spot was the cleanest one we came across. We took some walks past others near the creek that looked like they had just hosted full on frat parties.

    It was just super unfortunate and disgusting to go to such a beautiful area and have previous campers all but ruin it for us.

  • nThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    Great views, lots of options

    We loved it! Very spread out, lots of space. Our camping spot was excellent and provided great views and seclusion. The creek on the map didn’t have any water in it though and the sun was brutal for a few hours.

  • Laneha E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
    Jul. 27, 2024

    BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150

    Beautiful views & Isolated

    This place is good for those who have clearance and a 4WD. Road can be rough but pretty much all pickups are good. Don’t need a jeep. If it rains, you could get in trouble. The views are beautiful. Especially higher up. Some spots, I didn’t find tons of spots. I was the only one here on a Friday night last week if July 🤷🏼‍♀️. Or if there were others I didn’t know it. You get cover of some trees quicker than the sacred mountain location farther south on same road. You have to open a gate to get in. I would recommend it, and will probably be back at some point.



Guide to Hillside

Camping near Hillside, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax under the stars, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the Pinon Flats Campground. "From the campground, you can easily hike up to the creek and the east face of the dunes within 15-30 minutes," says a happy camper. The area is perfect for both short walks and longer hikes.
  • Stargazing: The Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites are known for their clear night skies. One visitor shared, "You MUST take a walk down into the dunes after dark… simply breathtaking."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: The Hecla Junction Campground is right by the Arkansas River, making it a great spot for fishing. A long-time visitor noted, "It's a sweet place to camp right on the Arkansas River, just a bit north of Salida."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at Pinon Flats Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Busy campground with clean toilets. Well maintained and clean camping spots."
  • Scenic Views: Many enjoy the beautiful surroundings at East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge. A camper remarked, "There are mule deer wandering through at dusk. The sounds of crickets and gentle breezes will help you sleep soundly."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: The Red Canyon Park is loved for its peacefulness. A visitor shared, "I might have been the only person at the park and it was quite peaceful!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Pinon Flats Campground warned, "In July, there were a ton of mosquitoes everywhere except over the sand."
  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor noted, "No signal, no restroom, no water, no trash cans, no light, no noise, just nature."
  • Tight Campsites: Some sites can be close together, especially at places like Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA. A reviewer mentioned, "The spots are a little close together and you don’t get to choose your spot."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. The Sand Dunes Recreation has heated pools and hot tubs, making it a fun spot for families. One parent said, "Enjoyed our time in The Greenhouse which has 4 hot tubs and a bar."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Hecla Junction Campground advised, "If the river is low enough to wade across… use caution."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy during hikes. A visitor at East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge mentioned, "Restaurants are nearby about 10 minutes."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Alvarado Campground noted, "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and RV up to 30 or so."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Salida North BLM suggested, "Bring extra leveling blocks!"
  • Plan for No Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Red Canyon Park, don’t have electric or water hookups. A visitor shared, "No water or electrical hookups. Lots of wildlife in the area."

Camping near Hillside, Colorado, has something for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hillside, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hillside, CO is Lake Deweese state wildlife area with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hillside, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 63 dispersed camping locations near Hillside, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.